MERLIN facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Multi-Element Radio Linked Interferometer Network |
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A map showing the locations of the antennas used in MERLIN
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| Organization | University of Manchester |
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| Location | Cheshire, Cambridgeshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire. |
| Wavelength | 151 MHz to 24 GHz |
| Angular resolution | 40 milliarcseconds at 5 GHz |
| Website | http://www.merlin.ac.uk |
MERLIN stands for the Multi-Element Radio Linked Interferometer Network. It is a special group of radio telescopes spread out across Great Britain. Imagine seven giant listening dishes working together! These dishes are like super-sensitive ears that can "hear" radio waves from space. MERLIN is managed by the Jodrell Bank Observatory, which is part of the University of Manchester. It helps scientists study amazing things happening far away in the universe.
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What is MERLIN?
MERLIN is not just one telescope. It is a network of seven radio telescopes. These telescopes are located in different places across England. They work together as if they were one giant telescope. This helps scientists get very clear and detailed images of space.
How does MERLIN work?
Radio telescopes collect radio waves. These waves are a type of light we cannot see. Stars, galaxies, and other objects in space give off these radio waves. MERLIN uses a trick called "interferometry." This means all the telescopes listen to the same thing at the same time. Then, computers combine their signals. This makes the network act like a single, enormous telescope. It can see details that a single telescope could not.
What can MERLIN see?
MERLIN helps scientists study many things in space. It can look at distant galaxies and black holes. It also studies how stars are born and how they die. The network can even detect signals from objects billions of light-years away. This helps us understand the history of our universe.
Who runs MERLIN?
The Jodrell Bank Observatory manages the MERLIN network. This observatory is famous for its large Lovell Telescope. The University of Manchester runs Jodrell Bank. MERLIN is also supported by the Science and Technology Facilities Council. This council helps fund science research in the UK.
Images for kids
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The radio telescope at Knockin
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The Cambridge antenna in June 2014
